NEW YORK - The summer 2015 edition of NY Now opened to a bustling scene
at the Javits Center on Sunday Aug. 16, with attendees filling the
aisles, and rug exhibitors, a growing presence at the show, put their
best rugs forward. From fresh, fun hand-crafted designs to minimalist,
lustrous Nepalese and Tibetans, to animal hides glammed up with couture
colors, there was something for everyone.
While
many exhibitors, including Eliko Rugs, Mastour, Nasiri Carpets, Pasargad
and Summit Rugs, displayed a range of sophisticated transitional
options, or classics such as ANTA's traditional Scottish plaids or the
vintage Moroccans on display by Cadeau Berber, other rug companies went
for more of a wow-factor.
S&H
Rugs and FJ Kashanian opted for a contemporary pop of color with designs
that highlighted vivid fuchsia and blue tones in their presentations.
S&H took upcycling to new couture stature with pile cut or shaved off to
create extreme textural drama, and leaving abstract hits of color.
Safavieh and Kashanian made a statement with over-dyed vintage rugs
recolored in bold jewel tones, while Nomadic Trading presented a bazaar
of pale washed and over-dyed upcycled Turkish rugs along with an array
of repurposed accent pieces.
Furs (Auskin)
and cow hides (Madisons and Saddlemans), which seem to be attracting
more attention each season, were also present showing off a range of new
takes on the category.
Metallics were all over NY Now. For example, Mastour introduced a new
Metallics line, crafted from metallic threads, and Saddlemans
metallic-stamped hides have been tremendously successful. Shimmery
touches (such as Pasargad's Reflections line and the rich texturing seen
in Nasiri's debuting Nepal collection) have become an important element
in contemporary rugs.
The market for refined and subdued rugs continues, evidenced by introductions
such as Eliko's pale neutral wool Afghan collection with hints of pastels and
Summit's elegant flatweaves. Rug company expansions into home accents and
furniture were on full exhibit with debuts of pillows by Summit Rug and
Saddlemans, Pasargad's launch of upholstered furniture, and Madisons' addition
of cowhide duffels, benches and leather pillows, to name a few. Safavieh's
booth gave a sampling of everything presently under its brand umbrella from rugs
to lamps and settees.
RugNews.com identifies seven key looks and design movements in a
multi-part "shopping the show" series that reflects the fashion state of
the industry. Following is part one: The Glamor of Metallics and
Shimmer.
METALLICS
AND SHEEN
Saddlemans